Mercedes Benz GL
Intro
The 2007 Mercedes Benz GL class will serve as the bigger brother to both the R and M classes. The GL will be bigger than both of these models. Contrary to popular belief, the GL will not be replacing the G-Class.
Specs
Engine: 4.6L V-8 @ 335hp (optional Diesel V-6)
Transmission: 7 speed automatic with Over Drive
0-60mph: ~9 seconds
Avg MPG: 14 city / 18 highway
What we Think
The new Mercedes SUV is a brute. It has been heralded as their best SUV ever. Although the M-Class did very well for MB they felt they lost a lot of customers to other makers who offered three-row seven seaters (aka the mammoth SUV's). So the GL Mercedes answer to this gap in the market.
Despite having three full rows of seats, the GL avoids the extended minivan look that the R-Class has. This is a huge positive. However, at the same time, the styling is noting to be proud of. It certainly is unassuming with very bland lines and subdued styling. We will say that the car is very sturdy and masculine looking. Perhaps "muscular" is a good descriptive word.
While talking with a Mercedes representative he kept saying how this model was specifically tailored to American tastes. And to prove it he pointed out the cupholders. Well son-of-a-gun. If these aren't the largest cupholders I have ever seen...They apparently hold up to a 44 ounce drink. Wow. How American.
The rest of the interior is superb. Very opulent and what you have come to expect from this German automaker. The one huge downside to this interior is the use of the COMMAND system to control the navigation climate and entertainment. It is like learning a foreign language. One must sit down with a manual and read for a few hours to get the hang of it. Definitely a no-no on MB's part. American's like knobs and simple operations especially for vital things like a navigation and entertainment system.
Now Mercedes always comes out and talks about their Diesel options, but realistically nobody expect that to go anywhere here in the states. Well, this time MB is saying this isn't the case. They feel that given the current state of gas prices that Diesel is finally an option middle American will consider. So they are going to ramp up their advertising campaign for their V6 3.2L Diesel engine come mid 2006. The Diesel version will get a full 26mpg which for such a behemoth is pretty respectable. Keep in mind though, if you are forking out $55,000 - 60,000 for this ride you probably aren't the type of person who is terribly concerned with higher gas prices. At least not enough to get a diesel engine.
One benefit of the massive weight this thing carries is safety. You can rest assured that you will destroy anything that comes in your way. On a more serious note, the GL has the typical safety features of a Mercedes. Smart airbags, load limiting belts, ABS, stability control plus just about every other safety feature ever invented. The 3 row side curtain airbag is supposed to help prevent ejections upon rollovers.
All in all, the Mercedes Benz GL is a solid SUV. And if you are in the market for a full sized 3 row 7 seater than this is one you want to check out.